QUICK TRIPS

Quick Trips

February 08, 2009

Autos

* Consumers who order or purchase a new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrid by the end of March are eligible for a tax credit of $3,400 on their 2009 returns. Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids are eligible for a $3,000 credit. Credits vary by performance, with the Fusion rated at 41 m.p.g. city and Escape and Mariner at 34 m.p.g. city. Fusion is set to hit showrooms by March 31.

* Volvo has priced the 2010 XC60 T6 AWD from $37,200. The XC60, which can stop itself, goes on sale in March.

* Bentley has introduced the Continental GTC Speed, which, with a top speed of 200 m.p.h., is the carmaker's most powerful convertible. The 6-liter, twin turbo W-12 achieves 600 horsepower and can do zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds. The car, inspired by Bentley's "speed models" from the 1920s, starts at $240,000.

* Porsche introduces the fastest, most powerful 911, the GT3, at the Geneva Motor Show March 3. The 2010 GT3 packs a 3.8-liter, boxer 6. The naturally aspirated engine develops 435 h.p., has a zero-to-60 time of 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 194 m.p.h. It arrives this fall priced from $112,200.

FYI

* The Department of Justice has launched the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. The online system will, for a fee, allow consumers and law enforcement to track brand history, odometer data and other background on a vehicle to prevent fraud. Visit www.nmvtis.gov and click on consumer.

* Tylenol is warming CTA bus shelters. The heat will be on through March 8 at Clark and Madison; State and Lake; Michigan and Wacker, Hubbard and Madison; Madison and Clinton; Washington and State; LaSalle and Haddock Place; and Dearborn and Grand.